Castro Blasts US Food Use Policies in First Article Since Illness

Ailing Cuban President Fidel Castro has broken months of silence with an editorial in the state newspaper, Granma, criticizing U.S. food-use policies.

The signed article published Thursday, condemns President Bush's promotion of biofuels for cars. Mr. Castro asserts that using crops to produce ethanol could deprive developing nations of food and condemn millions of people to a premature death.

Cuban officials have said Mr. Castro is making progress in his recovery from intestinal surgery last July, and could soon take a more active role in government.

The president transferred power to his brother, Raul Castro, following the surgery. Mr. Castro has not made a public appearance since, although the Cuban media has released photographs, video, and audio recordings of the 80-year-old leader.